Backwater again? Contested histories of St Ives Art

[cyberduck]

I think UCF prefers to see its self as a big 'international player' - the local I would imagine has connotations of provincialism which I think they have been keen to reject ( even though it may be denied ). On the one hand they seem to be keen to distantangle themselves from the notion of  ' the local ' - the Cornish scene as your refer too, but then they (UCF) often use 'surfing' and other promotional gimmicks to attract the young, trendy, surf inspired students.

Hence it's drive further and higher in to the stratosphere with its new campus and increased student numbers.

As a footnote I really find the term "international + artist" problematic...yep we all know what it means in the hierarchy of art practice but is it really necessary ?. I'd like to see some plain speaking, its just a euphemism for 'successful artist - one that just might not be flipping burgers at the local wimpy'.

[admin]

But its interesting how few of the staff show work locally - one or two of the painting tutors - but few others.

In most cases, lets be honest, its not like theyre getting shows in more prestigious venues - so you wonder why this is...

[linda styles]

Cornwall College staff - Patrick, Sovay, Matt, Gareth and others do show regularly, locally and nationally, easier to manage own practice if .5 though. The dynamic at CC still tends to be less hierarchal than UCF, perhaps more nurturing to do with being FE based.  I believe that some of the best teaching comes from those that 'do' what they teach, the heyday, in my opinion, being art education in the 60's/early 70's.